By Morgan Kjornes
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – The City of Peoria is considering guidelines that would regulate and manage home-based free distribution centers, more commonly known as porch pantries.
The proposed standards would regulate items that can be given out, including the specifics of those items and how they can be displayed. Non-perishable food items will be accepted but will need to stay at the correct height for public health and safety concerns.
City officials said the guidelines are intended to address a gap in public health and safety related to home-based free distribution.
“It was really brought forth out of concern for the neighborhoods. In the same way that we regulate a business operating within a residential space, we were hearing from community members that this also needed to be regulated,” said Peoria’s Community Engagement Manager Kaylee Drea.
Hours of operation will be set from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and goods will be required to be put away outside of those hours. No permit or city review would be required, as long as homeowners meet the standards.
The standards would be monitored, and those not in compliance would be contacted and informed of the correct expectations.
The ordinance was passed by the Planning and Zoning Commission in June and is scheduled for a vote before the City Council on July 14.
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